Admission Information

Admission to the PhD program is determined by the School Doctoral Program Committee on the basis of an applicant's academic record, commitment to scholarly study, and potential for creative research. Applicants generally hold, or are in the process of completing, a Master's degree in Planning or a closely related academic discipline. Qualified applicants in other academic areas are also considered for admission to the PhD program, with the understanding that they may have to take a number of courses in order to acquire the necessary background required for the pursuit of doctoral studies at the University of Cincinnati.

In truly exceptional cases, involving appropriate combinations of scholarship and experience, students may be accepted into the PhD program with only a Bachelor's degree. In such cases, entering students will be required to enroll in and complete the course of study leading towards the professional Master of Community Planning (MCP) program, minus the writing of a Master's thesis. While such students may proceed directly to the doctoral program, they will only receive the MCP if they fulfill the internship and thesis requirements of that program.

At a minimum, a successful applicant for admission into the Ph.D. program is expected to have completed a number of other courses in his or her undergraduate and/or graduate preparation totaling:

  • 3 quarter credit hours of calculus;
  • 3 quarter credit hours of natural sciences;
  • 3 quarter credit hours of environmental studies, and
  • 20 quarter credit hours of humanities and social sciences (including economics)


A full application must include the supporting documents listed below, which should be forwarded as noted:

Note Admission to the School of Planning is contingent upon receipt of the final official transcript stating the date the degree was conferred.

  • official scores for the aptitude portion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Note The School normally expects successful applicants to exceed the median test scores on the GRE.

  • 3 reference letters from persons (including faculty) familiar with your potential to complete doctoral study

Note At least two should be academic recommendations. All letters should be on the referee's letterhead.

  • for international applicants, a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) minimum score of 600 paper-based or 250 computer-based, is required

Application Deadline

Applications and all supporting materials should be received prior to March 1 to assure first consideration for a graduate award from the School of Planning. Those seeking an Albert C. Yates Scholarship/Fellowship should apply by February 1. Accordingly, the GRE and TOEFL should be taken at an early date to ensure timely receipt of scores.

Additional Information

The Official University of Cincinnati application should be completed online.

The School of Planning application and all other materials should be sent to the School of Planning at the address below:

School of Planning
College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning
6210 DAAP
University of Cincinnati
PO Box 210016-0016
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0016